Manipur observes National Unity Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 31 2020: Manipur observed National Unity Day 2020 (Rashtiya Ekta Diwas) today to commemorate 145th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.

Delivering his speech as chief guest, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that the National Unity Day is observed on 31st October every year to honour the contributions of Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel in Nation building.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has been observing the day throughout the country since 2014, he added.

Manipur observes National Unity Day

N Biren Singh recalled that Sadar Patel was one of the greatest freedom fighters who had participated in various freedom struggles against the oppressive rule of the British.

As a National leader, he took part in many freedom movements like the Peasant Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement among others under the Gandhian principle, he added.

He further stated that Sadar Patel served as Deputy Prime Minister after Independence and took a great role in providing relief and rehabilitation to refugees.

He is still known as Patron Saint of India's Civil Servant for introducing the modern All India Services system.

Apart from this, the leader played a major role in unifying the then British provinces and more than 500 independent princely States, under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, making the country a strong Nation and a United India.

The Chief Minister maintained that the observance of the National Unity Day gives a message to everyone that despite differences in culture and tradition amongst the various inhabitants of the country, "we can build a strong Nation defending our unity, integrity and security by following the path of our great leaders" .

He added that the State Government had been taking up certain steps to bridge the gap between the hill and valley regions and move forward to bring inclusive development in the State.

N Biren Singh said his Government is still taking up many developmental works despite facing certain hindrances due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Government has been coordinating with various civil society organisations to contain the spread of the pandemic.

In this regard, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued soon, he said and appealed to the public to strictly comply with the SOP as prevention from the pandemic depends much on the commitment of each individual to fight the deadly virus successfully.

As a part of the observance, the Chief Minister led the Deputy Chief Minister, Y Joykumar Singh, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil, police officers and others in administering the National Unity pledge.

The Chief Minister also received salute from five marching contingents including BSF contingent, CRPF, 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, Civil Police Imphal West (male) and 9th IR(Mahila) Battalion and combined band platoons of 1st Manipur Rifles, 2nd Manipur Rifles and Home Guard (male & female) combined band.

The marching parade was commanded by L Kunjeshwor Sharma, MPS, Assistant Commandant, 6th Bn Manipur Rifles.